How do I update my phone software?

We periodically release Windows Phone software updates to add new features you've asked for and to maximise your phone's performance. When a software update is available for you to download, we'll notify you so you can download it directly to your phone over a WiFi or mobile data connection. (Your phone will need 3G or greater to download updates over a mobile data connection.) To see what features or improvements have been added in the latest update, see Windows Phone 8 update history.

If you don't have enough storage space on your phone to get an update and you have an SD card inserted in your phone, we might be able to update your phone using the SD card. Support for using your SD card for updating your phone depends on your phone model and manufacturer.

If we can't install an update using an SD card, you'll need to have enough storage space on your phone so we can perform the update. If you try to update and don't have enough free space, we'll prompt you to go to Storage Sense to make room. To see how much space you have available, in the App list, go to Storage Sense (in Windows Phone 8, go to Settings > Phone storage). For more info about how to make more room, see Making room on your phone to update it.

How to check for updates manually

Note

Windows Phone will let you know when new updates are available. If you check manually for an expected update and your phone appears to be up to date, it may be that it isn't available yet for your specific phone, mobile operator or market.